🔹 What is a short stem prosthesis?

Short answer:
A short stem prosthesis is a modern, bone-preserving hip prosthesis with a shortened stem that largely preserves the thigh bone.

Explanation:
Unlike the classic hip replacement the short-stem prosthesis is only anchored in the upper part of the thigh. This preserves more bone, the force transmission is more natural, and later revision surgeries are easier. This technique offers significant advantages, especially for younger, active patients.

🔹 When is a short stem prosthesis considered?

Short answer:
A short-stem prosthesis is suitable for active, younger patients with good bone stock and hip osteoarthritis.

Explanation:
The ideal prerequisite is a stable bone structure. The prosthesis is often used in patients under 70 years of age who strive for a high level of activity and mobility after surgery. In cases of severe osteoporosis or complex malalignments, a standard hip replacement is often more suitable.

🔹 What are the advantages of a short-stem prosthesis compared to a conventional hip replacement?

Short answer:
It spares the bone, enables faster recovery, and offers a more natural feeling of movement.

Explanation:
The shortened shaft preserves more of the body's own substance. Due to the muscle- and bone-friendly operation, rehabilitation is often shorter, pain is reduced, and mobility is restored earlier. Additionally, subsequent prosthesis replacement is easier.

🔹 How long does a short-stem hip prosthesis last?

Short answer:
Modern short-stem prostheses typically last 15–20 years or longer today.

Explanation:
The durability depends on the quality of the implant, the surgical technique, and the patient's activity level. Studies show that short-stem prostheses are just as durable as classical hip prostheses. One advantage is the bone-preserving design, which facilitates later revisions.

🔹 How is the surgery performed?

Short answer:
The short-stem prosthesis is implanted minimally invasively, usually through a small incision with muscle-sparing technique.

Explanation:
During the operation, the damaged femoral head is removed, the bone is prepared, and the short-stem prosthesis is fixed without bone cement in the upper thigh. The procedure takes about 60–90 minutes. Patients can usually stand and walk again on the first day after surgery.

🔹 How long does the hospital stay last?

Short answer:
Typically 2 to 3 days – with immediate mobilization after surgery.

Explanation:
In specialized centers like the Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main under Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner patients are individually cared for. On the day of the surgery, the first walking exercises begin directly after the operation, often with full weight-bearing.

🔹 When can I walk again after a short-stem hip replacement?

Short answer:
Already on the day of surgery, directly after the operation, with walking aids – usually without aids after 3𠄶 weeks.

Explanation:
Thanks to the stable anchoring in the bone and the muscle-sparing surgery, early mobility is possible. After about two months, normal walking, cycling, or swimming is allowed again without restrictions.

🔹 Which sports are possible after a short-stem prosthesis?

Short answer:
Gentle sports like cycling, swimming, and hiking are possible without problems.

Explanation:
After about 8–10 weeks, joint-friendly activities can be started. High-impact sports (e.g., jogging, tennis, soccer) should be avoided to ensure the durability of the prosthesis.

🔹 What are the risks associated with a short-stem prosthesis?

Short answer:
As with any hip surgery, infections, dislocations, or loosening are possible – but rare.

Explanation:
The risk is less than one percent when the procedure is performed by experienced specialists. Modern surgical techniques and sterile conditions minimize complications significantly. Consistent follow-up treatment is particularly important.

🔹 How does the short stem prosthesis differ from the standard hip replacement?

Short answer:
It has a shorter stem, spares the bone, and facilitates later revision surgeries.

Explanation:
The classic total hip replacement is anchored deep in the femur, while the short stem prosthesis is only seated in the upper region. This leaves the thigh largely intact – a major advantage for long-term results and revisions.

🔹 What materials are used in short-stem prostheses?

Short answer:
Usually titanium for the stem and ceramic or polyethylene for the gliding surface – nickel-free.

Explanation:
The high-quality materials are biocompatible and durable. Nickel-free hip prostheses are particularly suitable for patients with metal allergies or sensitive skin.

🔹 How do I optimally prepare for the surgery?

Short answer:
Building strength, normal weight, quitting smoking, and discussing medication with the doctor.

Explanation:
Well-trained muscles and a healthy lifestyle promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Physiotherapeutic preparation can also be useful.

🔹 How does the rehabilitation process work?

Short answer:
Rehabilitation begins immediately after surgery – with exercises for gait training and lymphatic drainage.

Explanation:
In the first weeks, the focus is on healing and mobility. Only then is muscle building useful. After six weeks, many patients are already fit for daily life. At the Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main the rehabilitation is individually planned and closely accompanied.

🔹 Can a short-stem hip prosthesis be easily replaced later?

Short answer:
Yes, because the bone is largely preserved, revision surgeries are usually easier.

Explanation:
This is one of the greatest advantages of this prosthesis type. If needed, the short shaft can be replaced with a straight shaft – without significant bone damage.

🔹 Why is Prof. Dr. Kutzner at Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main the best choice?

Short answer:
Prof. Dr. Kutzner is one of Germany's leading short stem specialists with years of experience and the most modern surgical techniques.

Explanation:
At the Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main in Mainz Prof. Dr. Kutzner offers a combination of minimally invasive surgery, individual counseling, and first-class aftercare. The facility is considered one of the leading centers for short-stem prosthetics (artificial hip joint using short-stem prosthesis) in Germany.

🔹 How can I make an appointment?

Short answer:
Simply online via www.endoprotheticum.de or by phone.

Explanation:
The appointment scheduling is done individually, ensuring sufficient time for personal consultation and thorough diagnostics.

Why is experience in short-stem arthroplasty so important?

The implantation of a short-stem prosthesis requires precise planning, experience, and a deep understanding of hip biomechanics.
Only a few specialists in Germany perform a high number of such interventions annually – and can thus demonstrate excellent long-term results.

Recommendation:
Contact Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner, Head of Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main in Mainz.
He is considered one of the leading short shaft specialists in Germany and has significantly contributed to the further development of this surgical technique.
Here you benefit from:

• highest technical expertise,
• state-of-the-art diagnostics and implant technology,
• individual counseling and care,
• excellent rehabilitation coordination.

👉 More information & appointment scheduling:
www.endoprotheticum.de

Conclusion

The short-stem prosthesis is a forward-thinking further development of hip replacement.
It offers:

• maximal bone and muscle preservation,
• high durability,
• quick recovery,
• and excellent biomechanics.

Anyone who wants to maintain their mobility in the long term and at the same time prepare for possible later revision surgeries makes a wise decision with the short stem prosthesis – provided it is implanted by an experienced specialist.

✅ Tip:
If you are considering hip replacement and want to learn more about modern bone-preserving procedures, the Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main in Mainz under Prof. Dr. Karl Philipp Kutzner is your first address for excellent hip arthroplasty in Germany.

What implant systems are available for short stem prostheses?

There are various systems and manufacturers of short-stem prostheses.

Early examples are:

Metha® short-stem prosthesis

MiniHip short-stem system

Current modern systems are primarily: Optimys®, A2® etc.
The choice of system depends on the anatomy, bone quality and the operator's experience.

What does a short stem prosthesis cost – are there differences compared to a standard hip replacement?

For those with statutory insurance, the costs of a hip replacement (regardless of whether short-stem or standard) are usually covered by the health insurance fund. Special additional services (e.g. private services, comfort stay, premium implants) can incur additional costs. It is important to discuss the cost and service overview with the clinic and the surgeon before the operation.

How do I find a suitable specialist for a short-stem prosthesis?
When choosing a surgeon and clinic, pay attention to the following criteria:

• Experience with short-stem hip prostheses in particular (case numbers, registry data).
• Specialization in hip arthroplasty.
• Transparent consultation, including explanation: Why short shaft? Why standard? What are the advantages and disadvantages in your case?
• Good aftercare and rehabilitation concepts.
• Recommendation: At Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main in Mainz under Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner

When should one decide for a short-stem prosthesis and when not?
A decision for a short-stem prosthesis should be made when the conditions are favorable (good bone quality, favorable anatomy, desire for the most bone-sparing care possible) and the surgeon masters the technique. If, on the other hand, the bone structure is severely compromised or a complex anatomical situation exists, a standard hip replacement may be the more reliable choice.

What should I discuss with my doctor before short stem prosthesis surgery?

Important points are:

• Why is a short-stem prosthesis recommended in your case?
• Which implant brand is used, and what data is available for this system?
• What type of access is chosen? What does the follow-up treatment look like in concrete terms?
• What activities and sports are possible afterwards? What limitations could exist?
• How high is the risk of revisions in your individual case (e.g. due to bone quality, anatomy, comorbidities)?
• What does the rehabilitation concept look like and how long is the hospital stay planned?
• What role do prevention and lifestyle play after the operation (weight control, muscle building, exercise)?

🏥 Treatment by a proven short-stem specialist

Anyone interested in a short-stem prosthesis should consult an experienced expert.
Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner is considered one of the leading short-stem specialists in Germany.

At Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main in Mainz he performs numerous successful operations with modern short shaft prostheses every year.
Patients benefit from:

• minimally invasive techniques
• individual implant selection
• faster rehabilitation
• personal care in the curaparc-clinic Mainz

 Contact:
➔ www.endoprotheticum.de
➔ reachable by phone through the practice

💬 Conclusion: Short-stem prosthesis – the modern hip prosthesis for an active future

The short-stem prosthesis stands for mobility, sustainability, and quality of life. It is now the gold standard for many patients who desire a modern hip replacement.

Whoever seeks highest precision, experience and individual care is in good hands at Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main with Prof. Kutzner .